PEDRO - Don't let the name fool you, this telling of Sleepy Hollow is sure to keep listeners wide-eyed and awake.

The deep, dark woods of the Wayne National Forest will once again be the backdrop for Ohio University Southern Nature Center's fifth annual October telling of Appalachian ghost stories and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" at 7 p.m. Saturday

Adding to the atmosphere, the event will return to its original haunt - the Rockhouse overhang about a quarter mile from the Lake Vesuvius boat ramp. A paved, fully handicapped-accessible trail, which will be lit by lanterns, leads to the popular site that imaginations can easily transform into the home of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman.

"The Rockhouse is a perfect spot for this. We have had a great time in the past and the story is always a winner," said Merri Warden, OUS Natural Wonders program coordinator. "The story is adapted for children so it is not too scary but you never know who will show up."

One person you can count on being there is Ironton Mayor John Elam. After participating in the reading last year, Elam jumped at the chance to make others do a little jumping of their own.

"It is a great story and a great setting for it," Elam said. "Š I think it will really help get people in the Halloween spirit."

In addition to providing some chills and thrills, Elam said it will be a good chance for many to see what Lake Vesuvius has to offer as a part of the Wayne National Forest, Ohio's only one.

As for Warden, she hopes that Mother Nature cooperates and they can exceed last year's attendance of nearly 50. Afterwards, the group will be invited to the Nature Center for a reception that marks the center's closing for the winter.

"We just want to offer good old-fashioned fun and say 'thank you' to all the people who have supported us all summer," Warden said.

Just watch out for that Horseman.